Guidelines for starting an environmental
​education programme

Environmental education programmes are essential for creating awareness, promoting stewardship, and equipping communities with the knowledge and skills to protect their natural heritage. The following guidelines provide a practical framework for organisations, schools, and community groups who wish to design and implement an impactful environmental education programme.

1. Define Purpose and Objectives

• Clarify the main aims of the programme.
• Identify specific learning outcomes.
• Ensure objectives are realistic, measurable, and aligned with community and conservation needs.

Before starting, it is important to determine why the programme is being created. For example, is it aimed at raising awareness about local biodiversity, encouraging youth participation in conservation, or providing practical restoration skills? Clear objectives guide planning, resource allocation, and long-term evaluation.

2. Identify Target Audience

• Determine the age group and background of participants.
• Consider schools, community groups, or volunteers.
• Adapt content and methods to suit the audience’s level of knowledge and interests.

Understanding who the programme is for ensures that the activities are engaging and relevant. For instance, school learners may benefit from interactive and practical activities, while adult community members might prefer talks and guided walks that connect directly to local conservation issues.

3. Build Partnerships and Collaborations

• Approach schools, NGOs, municipal departments, and local businesses.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for resources, expertise, and outreach.
• Involve local leaders to strengthen credibility and community ownership.

Strong partnerships expand the reach and impact of the programme. Partnerships with schools ensure consistent learner participation, while NGOs and municipal departments may provide logistical support, funding, or technical expertise.

4. Develop Programme Content and Activities

• Select themes relevant to local conservation issues.
• Incorporate interactive activities such as planting, clean-ups, and biodiversity surveys etc.
• Ensure activities are age-appropriate and inclusive.

The programme content should be locally relevant and practical. For example, planting indigenous species or removing invasive plants connects participants directly to conservation action. A combination of theory and practical learning makes the experience memorable and impactful.

5. Logistics and Planning

• Identify a suitable venue (school grounds, community spaces, or natural areas).
• Prepare materials and equipment in advance.
• Ensure safety measures and obtain necessary permissions.
• Plan timeframes and communicate schedules clearly.

Careful planning is required to ensure smooth execution. A safe, accessible venue with appropriate resources is crucial. Permissions from landowners or authorities may be required, especially for activities in public natural areas.

6. Promotion and Community Engagement

• Use posters, flyers, and social media for publicity.
• Engage community leaders and schools to spread the word.
• Encourage inclusivity by welcoming all community members.

Promotion is essential for attracting participants. Involving schools and community structures builds long-term support and ensures the programme is not a once-off event but part of ongoing environmental education efforts.

7. Implementation

• Welcome participants and explain the purpose of the activity.
• Provide background knowledge on the conservation theme.
• Lead interactive activities and ensure everyone is involved.
• Encourage discussion and reflection throughout the session.

The way activities are carried out shapes participants’ experiences. Facilitators should balance instruction with participation, ensuring everyone has an active role and leaves with greater awareness and appreciation of the environment.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Develop simple tools such as feedback forms or reflection circles.
• Measure success against objectives (e.g., number of participants, knowledge gained, number of plants planted, etc).
• Record outcomes for reporting and improvement.

Evaluation is necessary to measure the impact of the programme. Feedback helps refine future activities, and documenting results provides evidence of success for funders and partners.

9. Sustaining the Programme

• Plan follow-up activities to maintain engagement.
• Build long-term partnerships with schools and communities.
• Seek ongoing funding or in-kind support.
• Document and share stories to inspire continued participation.

Sustainability ensures that environmental education is not a once-off effort. Ongoing engagement, regular activities, and shared success stories keep the momentum alive and encourage future generations to take part.

Princess Vlei Examples

​June 16 Youth Planting Event
Objective:
To honour the legacy of South Africa’s Youth Day by engaging everyone, especially young people in a practical conservation activity that builds a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness.
Target Audience:

• School learners and youth groups
• Teachers and community youth leaders
• Volunteers and local community members

Format & Activities:

• Introduction (15 minutes): Short presentation on the history of Youth Day, linking it to the importance of youth involvement in environmental stewardship.
• Planting Demonstration (15 minutes): A step-by-step demonstration of correct indigenous plant handling and planting methods.
• Group Planting Activity (45 minutes – 1 hour): Learners and volunteers work in groups to plant indigenous species at the chosen site, guided by staff.
• Reflection and Sharing (20 minutes): Group discussion where participants share their experiences, what they learned, and how they can continue to support restoration efforts.

Key Messages:

• Youth are leaders of change in society and in conservation.
• Planting indigenous species helps restore natural habitats and supports biodiversity.
• Working together builds stronger, more resilient communities.

Outcomes:

• Raised awareness among young people about ecological restoration.
• Practical experience of planting and habitat restoration.
• Strengthened community connections with conservation areas.

Download The PDF

​Nelson Mandela Day Planting Event
Objective:
To commemorate Nelson Mandela’s legacy by dedicating 67 minutes (or more) to an environmental activity that promotes restoration and collective responsibility. This reflected on Mandela’s legacy of unity and care for people and the environment.
Target Audience:

• Community volunteers
• Local organisations and civic groups
• Youth groups
• General public interested in contributing to Mandela Day initiatives

Format & Activities:

• Welcome and Mandela Legacy Talk (15 minutes): A short reflection on Mandela’s values of service, resilience, and community building, with a link to environmental restoration.
• Planting Activity (67 minutes): Volunteers plant indigenous vegetation at a designated restoration site, symbolising long-term growth and sustainability.
• Commemorative Moment (15 minutes): Group reflection and photo session to mark the day and celebrate collective efforts.

Key Messages:

• Small collective actions make a big difference.
• Environmental stewardship is part of honouring Mandela’s vision of a better future.
• Planting for today ensures resilience for tomorrow.

Outcomes:

• Increased community participation in environmental restoration.
• Contribution to long-term habitat rehabilitation at Princess Vlei.
• Strengthened link between conservation work and broader social values.